West Indies defeated Italy by 42 runs at Eden Gardens to finish the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unbeaten.
Shai Hope scored a brilliant 75, while Shamar Joseph claimed 4/30 to secure a dominant win.
Italy won the toss and opted to field, putting the West Indies under pressure early. Brandon King fell for 4, and Shimron Hetmyer followed for 1, leaving the Caribbean side struggling in the power play. Captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a composed knock of 75 off 46 balls, striking six boundaries and four sixes. Roston Chase added 24, while Sherfane Rutherford (24) and Matthew Forde (16) provided late momentum, guiding West Indies to 165/6 in 20 overs. Italy’s Crishan Kalugamage impressed with disciplined figures of 2/25, including the wicket of Hope.
Chasing 166, Italy lost Justin Mosca early, but Anthony Mosca briefly lifted hopes with two sixes off Akeal Hosein. Gudakesh Motie dismissed JJ Smuts (24) and Ben Manenti (26), breaking Italy’s resistance. Shamar Joseph then ripped through the middle order with 4/30, supported by Matthew Forde’s 3/19, as Italy folded for 123 in 18 overs.
With this victory, the West Indies joined India and South Africa as the only teams to remain unbeaten in the group stage. The two-time champions enter the Super 8s with four wins from four matches, including a statement victory over England earlier in the tournament. The “Men in Maroon” now look like strong contenders for a third world title.
